May 12, 2006
MCFD/BCFFPA Provincial Liaison - Annette Harding
The Ministry of Children and Family Development and the British Columbia Federation of Foster
Parent Associations have continued to work collaboratively over the last year on several on-going
projects, including reviewing drafts of the Caregiver Support Service Standards and the transfer
of Liability Insurance coverage, as well as a number of issues brought forward by foster parents
throughout the province.
This working relationship between the BCFFPA and MCFD is based on mutual trust and respect.
When the BCFFPA brings forward concerns that have been raised by foster parents it is
important that the ministry listens and works with foster parents at the community, regional and
provincial level to find the best solutions possible. In the spirit of respectful and equal partnership
the provincial ministry has been working with the BCFFPA on the concerns that were raised at
and since the AGM in May 2005.
As a result of the joint work undertaken by MCFD and the BCFFPA we can report the following:
Foster Family Mileage Rates were increased by 50% to .30c per km, and the mileage cap
built into the Foster Family Maintenance Rate was decreased to 325 kms. All foster
parents received a letter about the increase and policy in effect.
Modification Agreements and 60-Day Notification Requirements has now been clarified
and will be confirmed and included in the new Caregiver Support Service Standards.
Effective with the release of the new Standards any decrease in bed capacity requires
60-day notice to implement the change made to a Family Care Home Agreement, using a
Modification Agreement.
Respite/Relief Policy and Payment has been reviewed and clarified under the Caregiver
Support Service Standards project. An additional financial review concerning the
timeliness of payments to foster parents following invoice submission is coming to a
conclusion at the time of writing and more information will be provided at the AGM.
Monthly Foster Family Maintenance Rates is still under review. The ministry has heard
the concerns raised by foster parents about the current maintenance rate provided to
cover the costs of caring for a child. A detailed economic and cross jurisdictional analysis
has been completed and funding decisions are still in progress. More information may be
available at the AGM.
BCFFPA participated in reviewing and providing input to the proposed new Caregiver Support
Service (CSS) Standards which are soon to be released. The CSS Standards support and guide
resource teams in their work with foster parents, staffed residential services and other groups of
caregivers. Collaborative practice, assessment, planning and teamwork are key themes
throughout the new Standards. The CSS Standards are a companion to the Child & Family
Service Standards and the Children in Care Standards.
Most recently the BCFFPA was invited to become a partner in a new initiative to develop a
Caregiver Support Services Framework. It is anticipated that this will be a two to three year
process involving service providers and service receivers throughout the province. BCFFPA staff
quickly became invaluable members of the provincial planning group that organized a Provincial
Forum, held on May 3-4, 2006 in Richmond. The forum was attended by about 170 participants
from all regions, including foster parents, youth from care, delegated Aboriginal agencies,
regional foster parent support agencies, the two provincial foster parent federations and ministry
staff primarily from resources teams.
The Provincial Forum signalled the launch of the Caregiver Support Services Framework
process, demonstrating from the outset the intention of working in true and equal partnership with
all groups that need to be involved in the development of such a framework. The forum
participants generously shared their energy, ideas, concerns, issues and perspectives in an
exhausting but exhilarating two days. The forum process was an important first step in
establishing the key themes and priorities for inclusion in the new framework. We look forward to
the continued involvement of foster parents, the BCFFPA and the Federation of Aboriginal Foster
Parents in this important initiative over the next two-three years.
Foster families are at the heart of our services to children in care and their families and the
ministry cannot express adequately in words our appreciation for all that you do.
